2. music
  3. 187106-159065

Steely Dan UHQR

There is a great interview with audio engineer Bernie Grundman on the new UHQR album "Aja". At $150 it better be amazing. He talks about how they had to modify the sound of albums in the past so they would play on crappy turntables and how this album, at 45rpm, is designed for the best turntables and cartridges. He also speaks about how the "Dan" gang wanted to use their own speakers to listen to the master and not Bernie's. (Wish he had called out the speakers) But let me ask you this, can a sound engineer with 80 year old ears (born 16 December 1943), have the hearing to engineering a UHQR album to audiophile standards......I know my hearing is shot due to what I did in my 20's with Rock n Roll sound levels....At 70, no way could my ears be trusted for such a task.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGLFTm6jMrY

rbertalotto
larsman's avatar
larsman
1,789 posts
 

I've had the OG AB-1006 since the day it came out in '77, and it is indeed an awesome sounding record - just listened to it last night, in fact.

Just received the UHQR today and gave it a listen. I find the UHQR to be superior sonically in every way, ultimately being so much more PRESENT in the listening space; the difference is not small or subtle, you don't have to 'listen for it'. 

I would say that if you love 'Aja', have good sound gear and don't mind shelling out the dough, it's a no brainer. It will sound like you've not heard it before. I just wish it was also available in a less fancy packaging for maybe $100, but I can understand Chad wanting this series to have a special presentation.

Also got the 2-45's of Jethro Tull's 'Stand Up' today, which is not UHQR, cost $65, and does not have fancy packaging (though the stand-up is there!) and sounds superb. 

tablejockey
3,800 posts
 

"My ABC LP has the etching AB-1006 (RE-3).  Does the "RE-3" signify a later reissue or pressing? "

drmuso-

it's in here somewhere-

Steely Dan - Aja | Releases | Discogs

As you can see, there are several runs. 

 

rbertalotto OP
138 posts
 

I think I already have the SACD, so I am good. 

Was Aja ever available as an SACD?....I've not seen it.

fbgbill's avatar
fbgbill
294 posts
 

My UHQR came in and I gave it to the wife to wrap and give it to me for Christmas. She claims I am too hard to find presents for...! She is also giving me a new MacBook Pro...!

rbertalotto OP
138 posts
 

My UHQR came in and I gave it to the wife to wrap and give it to me for Christmas. She claims I am too hard to find presents for...! She is also giving me a new MacBook Pro...!

Lucky man!.....Does she have a sister?

More to discover